Common Ninebark 'Cristata'

Ninebark 'Cristata' (Physocarpus opulifolius 'Cristata') is a robust, thoroughly natural-looking shrub with strongly textured foliage. Three-lobed leaves, much like those of a viburnum, clothe the arching shoots densely, and in April and May flat cushion-like corymbs of white and blush-pink flowers, 3-5 cm across, light up the greenery.

This is the shrub to reach for when a garden needs dependable green bulk: an informal hedge, a loose group at the back of a border, or planting that holds a bank together. In five to ten years it makes 2.5-4 m tall and 1.5-2.5 m wide, shrugs off drought and town air, and takes any amount of pruning, right down to rejuvenation almost at ground level.

Key characteristics:

• What makes it special: The bark of older branches peels away in layers - the very trait that earned the species the name ninebark and keeps it decorative through winter.
• Dimensions: A stately shrub: at 10 years it reaches 2.5-4 m tall and 1.5-2.5 m wide.
• Hardiness: Hardiness of a rare order - it holds down to -46 °C (USDA zone 2).
• Flowering: In April-May the branches are covered with dense flat corymbs of 3-5 cm, white or pinkish.
• Light: Equally happy in full sun and partial shade, and in a hot climate it is grateful for afternoon shading.
• Soil: It takes both dry and moderately moist soils easily - slightly acidic loam, clay or sand, as long as the drainage is good.
• Watering: Water moderately or sparingly: it takes drought calmly and tolerates temporary waterlogging.
• Care: Prune right after flowering and no later than mid-August; for rejuvenation, cut the bush back almost to ground level in spring.
• Landscape use: Informal hedges, free-standing groups, holding banks and slopes - and it takes urban conditions in its stride.